Verizon Wireless launched a global version of its popular VZ Navigator service. The new global version gives users location services including turn-by-turn directions in North America, Western Europe in native languages, and will be initially available on the BlackBerry Storm. Here is more info:

"Beginning today, VZ Navigator Global:

* Provides business and leisure travelers the ability to find locations and access turn-by-turn directions in North America and Western Europe, including Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom ? additional countries will be added to the service throughout the year; * Alleviates stress or confusion caused by reading road signs or directions in an unfamiliar language ? VZ Navigator Global customers can choose either English or Spanish as the default language, and miles or kilometers to mark distances; * Will be initially available on the BlackBerry Storm 9530 smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) while VZ Navigator Global capabilities will be available later on additional smartphones; and * Finds restaurants, gas stations, banks/ATMs and other popular spots in these countries using Local Search.

Pricing and Usage PlansVZ Navigator Global is available for $19.99 per month, which includes global and domestic use. Customers are encouraged to have an Unlimited Global Email plan or feature on their accounts, as global pay-per-use charges will apply when downloading or using the application. Unlimited Global Email Features are $64.99 monthly access when added to an existing voice plan or $69.99 monthly access for data only. To ensure the application is functioning, customers must download VZ Navigator Global prior to traveling abroad.

Existing BlackBerry Storm smartphone customers can upgrade to VZ Navigator Global by contacting customer service at 800-922-0204, speaking with a business specialist, or visiting a Verizon Wireless Communications Store.

Verizon Wireless works with Networks In Motion to provide VZ Navigator Global service, which takes advantage of the GPS capabilities available on the BlackBerry Storm smartphone. VZ Navigator Global is powered by Networks In Motion?s cutting-edge NAVBuilder platform, helping it to provide the best possible navigation and hyper-local search features.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com"

Personally, I prefer telenav (AT&T NVG) over VZ. One thing that Telenav really impressed me about is their POI. I saw on their website that they now have over 12 million POI! My entire family has had Telenav?s service for the past 2-3 years, and we will never switch.